Central Florida Jewish community leaning into faith after weekend attacks from Iran

ORLANDO, Fla. — Local Jewish community leaders are reacting to attacks from Iran to Israel over the weekend.

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“Concern, worry, but on the other hand, there’s something Jewish people seem to have throughout generations that gives them a sense of faith and belief that everything will be good,” Rabbi Yosef Konikov with the Chabad of South Orlando said.

Rabbi Konikov said this has been the main reaction from the Central Florida Jewish community.

“It’s something to be thankful for that we’re living in amazing times even though there are people looking to cause harm,” Rabbi Konikov said. “Thank God we’re safe.”

Read: World leaders urge Israel not to retaliate for the Iranian drone and missile attack

Rabbi Konikov’s son is one of the people safe from this weekend’s attacks.

He attends school in Israel.

He told us there were sights his son had not seen before.

Central Florida lawmakers react to the Iranian drone attacks on Israel This weekend’s Iranian drone strikes on Israel has put more pressure on Congress to act. (WFTV)

“There were missiles, many, flying right over Jerusalem, right over the areas where he goes to school,” Rabbi Konikov said. “It was kind of scary.”

This all comes as Passover is exactly one week away from Monday night. The holiday celebrates the Israelites’ escape from slavery in Egypt.

Read: Israel is quiet on next steps against Iran — and on which partners helped shoot down missiles

Rabbi Konikov said this has a focus on spreading love and the meaning of their faith.

“All the Jewish people will be saying those words that every generation they rise up to destroy us, but God saves us every time,” Rabbi Konikov said. “Jewish people continue to survive.”

Read: US works to prevent an escalation across the Mideast as Biden pushes Israel to show restraint

In response to those calling for the U.S. to stop sending funding to Israel, Rabbi Konikov said in Judaism they will turn their faith to god, communicate with surrounding nations, and protect themselves.

Rabbi Konikov encourages anyone who is worried or scared after the attacks over the weekend to get involved with Chabad and to visit the website www.jewishorlando.com.

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